COLCHESTER’S SOS Bus volunteers and a paramedic saved the lives of two people after one suffered anaphylactic shock and the other stopped breathing.
The volunteers sprung into action on Friday night, when the bus was parked in its usual spot outside the Slug and Lettuce bar in High Street.
Paramedic Lee Barham, of Remote Medic, and the volunteers provided oxygen and urgent medical care to keep a woman’s respiration going until an ambulance arrived.
The woman, who had been on a night out in the city centre, was then taken to Colchester Hospital.
They also saved the life of another woman who suffered anaphylactic shock.
The incident was witnessed by Colchester city councillor Pam Cox who was spending the evening observing the work of the SOS Bus, which is managed by drug and alcohol charity Open Road and operates every Friday and Saturday night.
Pam said: “It was very shocking to see the situation develop so quickly but the team on the SOS Bus responded so well.
“A woman arrived looking a little disorientated and said she was suffering from anaphylaxis.
“She used her own Epipen but soon after she stopped breathing.
“Lee and the volunteers dealt with her so calmly and professionally.
“They really saved her life but it was a relief to see the ambulance arrive so quickly.”
Pam Cox says it would be great to see more people offering to help out.
“Thousands of people enjoy a good night out in the city centre every week and it’s very reassuring to know that the SOS Bus is there in case people get into personal trouble,” she said.
“But they can only do this with the help of volunteers.
“Having seen the bus team literally save someone’s life, I would really encourage people to step forward. Open Road offer very good training for those interested.”
A spokesman for Open Road said: “Our staff and volunteers who go out on the SOS Bus provide a fantastic service for Colchester - this work is not just valuable, it is lifesaving work that they do.”
The East of England Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.
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